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Learn moreAbout Meelup Reserve Trail, Dunsborough
A walk along this trail will take you to isolated petite bays and coves through to the famous and popular bays and beaches that have facilities such as picnic areas, barbecues, showers and toilets.
The trail starts just off Hurford Street in Old Dunsborough where the Meelup Nature Reserve begins. The trail will take you past Curtis Bay, Castle Rock, Castle Bay, the famous picturesque Meelup Beach, Point Picquet and finishes at Eagle Bay.
Most of the beaches along this track are renowned swimming beaches and are particularly inviting with their calm turquoise water. Small reefs and rocky outcrops provide good snorkelling. On the trail there’s plenty of wildlife and wildflowers in spring. The track has numerous whale watching vantage points along the way and is a great spot to see whales from September to December.
Busselton Visitor Centre
(08) 9780 5911
- [email protected]
- Visit website
- 17 Foreshore Parade, Busselton WA 6280
Other Links
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Meelup Regional Park walking trails
Walking trails in the Meelup Regional Park, including the Meelup walk trail (Dunsborough to Eagle Bay).
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Australia’s South West
Comprehensive information on the South West region including destinations, things to see and do, accommodation and tours.
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Be trail ready for Meelup Reserve Trail, Dunsborough
Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.
Time / Duration
3-4 hours
Length
7 km each way
Bush Walk
Class 3
Moderate trail that may have short steep hills, rough surface, many steps or some rock hopping. Directional signage. Some bushwalking experience and moderate fitness required.
Visit Trail Tips for further information.
What To Pack
What To Pack
Group B - Hiking & Long Distance Trails (Bushwalks and/or longer trails)
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Insect repellent
- Plenty of drinking water (as a minimum carry and drink 1 litre of water per hour of walking, per person).
- PLB or satellite phone
- Clothing to suit the activity, environment and weather conditions.
- Map/ Compass, do not rely on your phone in remote locations.
- Snacks/ Meals to keep your energy levels up on longer walks
- Extra food and water in case of unexpected delays
- Rubbish bag to remove all your rubbish
- Reference material such as wildflower wildlife guides.
- Whistle (for emergencies, six short blasts per minute)
- Small trowel for toilet emergencies, and a few sheets of toilet paper in a small waterproof bag.
- Personal first aid kit (check that items are clean, properly sealed, have not exceeded expiry dates and that used items have been replaced).
- Torch/ Headlamp
- Binoculars and camera (optional)
Additional Useful Items
Trail map (and other trails in the reserve) is available on the Meelup Regional Park website.
Trail map is included in the 'Cape to Cape' guidebook available from the visitor centre
Hazards & Warnings
Sections of trail with steep cliffs and unpatrolled beaches. Beware of snakes in summer – December to FebruaryFacilities
The foreshore at Meelup Reserve is wheelchair accesible, however the rest of this trail is a narrow dirt track with many rocky sections, and not universally accesssible.
- BBQ Facilities
- Cafe
- Car Park
- Lookouts
- All accessible parking
- Picnic Area
- Public Toilet
- Shaded Area
- Sheltered Area
- All accessible toilet facilities
- Water Access Points
Trail Access
Road or bus
Prohibited Items
No pets permitted
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5 trail goers have rated Meelup Reserve Trail, Dunsborough as 4.4 out of 5!
We love to hear from people who've been on our Western Australian trails, so it would be most appreciated it if you wanted to leave a review.
Add your review of Meelup Reserve Trail, Dunsborough
Marsha Mariasusay rated Meelup Reserve Trail, Dunsborough a 4 out of 5
I attempted this trail twice, once from Dunsborough to Sail Rock. And another time from Eagle Bay to Sail Rock.
Beautiful trail, saw some whales as it was whale season.
I do agree with the comment above, next time I will do Point Picquet to Dunsborough as that is close to the shore.
Marking not so clear in the middle bit, but easy to find trail, or just follow the road.
Beautiful trail, saw some whales as it was whale season.
I do agree with the comment above, next time I will do Point Picquet to Dunsborough as that is close to the shore.
Marking not so clear in the middle bit, but easy to find trail, or just follow the road.
Georgia Shinnick rated Meelup Reserve Trail, Dunsborough a 4 out of 5
A great easy trail with some beautiful views of the ocean. Not very difficult - just some small loose rocks, slight hills, and overgrown bush but all the beaches along the way make beautiful pit stops. A definite must do if in the area.
Annique Lee rated Meelup Reserve Trail, Dunsborough a 5 out of 5
This hike was amazing. I had a beautiful sunny winter's day on my side. The sound of the waves, the fresh smell of the bush and sound of the soft breeze blowing through the trees and the little birds flying overhead was healing to the soul. I loved the the beach at Curtis Bay. The track is well signed, however just after Point Picquet, there was an area of rock that the track opened to with no sign and no trail in view other than a little track the led you to cross the road and enter the beach. It did not take me long to realise my mistake and headed back and found the trail again. If I was to do it again, I would only do Dunsborough to Point Picquet, from that point on you cannot see the coastline, just a bush walk. However I had set myself a goal, and I did it. Please note that it should be noted that the trail starts at the corner of Gifford Road and Hurford Street, where you can leave your car safely.
Marco Zecca rated Meelup Reserve Trail, Dunsborough a 5 out of 5
A couple of hidden gorgeous bays are nestled in this scenic easy walk, turquoise calm waters perfect for a swim!
Sally Westlake rated Meelup Reserve Trail, Dunsborough a 4 out of 5
dunsborough to Meelup is a very pretty walk and suitable for all ages, there is fun rock scrambling for the kids if they want too and pretty little bays. Carry water and a snack, and decent shoes.
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Supporters & Partners
Trails are free and offer countless benefits to our community, from fostering fun and fitness to encouraging social connection, exploration, and personal challenges. These exceptional trail experiences are made possible through the support and collaboration of these great organisations and initiatives:
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Castle Rock
Dunsborough Trailhead
Along the trail
Near Castle Rock
Along the trail
Kangaroo
Meelup Beach foreshore area
Eagle Bay trailhead
Castle Rock picnic table
Bridge near Castle Bay
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